Former Jet Dustin Keller Signs One-Year Deal With Division-Rival Dolphins
MIAMI (CBSNewYork/AP) — Another day, another Jet gone.
Tight end Dustin Keller moved up in the AFC East standings Friday, and now that he's with the Miami Dolphins he expects to keep climbing.
The former New York Jet signed a one-year contract with the Dolphins. He said he wanted to join a playoff contender and likes the Dolphins' chances under coach Joe Philbin in 2013.
"Coach Philbin is putting all the pieces together to win now," Keller said. "This team is in a position to win, and that's what we're going to do."
The Dolphins are coming off their fourth consecutive losing season, but they did finish a game ahead of the Jets at 7-9, and optimism is high in the wake of several free agent moves this week.
The Dolphins signed receiver Mike Wallace and re-signed receiver Brian Hartline. With those wideouts and Keller, who has 17 career touchdown catches, Miami should be better able to spread the field for young quarterback Ryan Tannehill.
"I've been following him for a while," Keller said. "He does a great job. To have a guy who can work the middle of the field and stretch the field, I think I can really help him out.
"There are a lot of pieces, and I'm just happy to be one of those pieces."
Keller was slowed by a left ankle injury last year and made 28 catches for 317 yards and two scores in eight games.
"It was pretty frustrating," he said. "This is a fresh start for me. It's an opportunity to go somewhere and re-prove myself."
The Dolphins acquired Keller to replace Anthony Fasano, their starting tight end the past four years. He signed Tuesday with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Keller has 20 catches of at least 25 yards over the past five years, compared with 11 for Fasano.
And yet another Jet has left town. How do you feel about Keller leaving, Gang Green fans? Sound off with your thoughts and comments below...
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